I'm starting my own commercial and residential cleaning buisness, how do i go about figuring up prices?
Answers:
Number one is spot on, although they may be vague, unless you claim to be a homeowner comparing prices,,,and even at that they may suggest they can't know until seeing what the job entails.
I've done this more than once myself, first time was to help put myself through college.
I'd try to figure out what your personal labor/time is worth to you, what is your market,,,specifically,,,IE: small offices, or High end residences, the best cost of quality supplies and materials, expenses for vehicles, advertising, possible liability insurance, times when you may not actually get work, etc. etc.
You will certainly have to do much the same as a larger, established cleaning business, in going out and estimating, once you've secured interest by possible clients. You'll have to build up references, and trust issues, dependability is as important as the finished job. That said however you could more narrowly define your BIZ to new construction cleanups, or apartment cleanups for vacancies, or connect with a property management company to clean their vacancies.
The bottom line is what do you think you're worth? What is your competition? What will be your market? How much time and effort are you willing to expend in what will likely be a slow start? As well as other factors.
No one of us here can guide you specifically, in your particular area, or knowledge, finances available, etc. BUT you certainly can find out, through research locally, what competition you'll have, how long they have been in business, even ask others who have any cleaning service, what they pay, start small with windshield wiper flyers if you have no other means, but do not, sell yourself short, just to get work. I follow the credo,,,"You get what you pay for." That relates to, a bargain, isn't always a bargain.
Rev. Steven
Other answers:
Call your competitors, and ask what their prices are.
Call your competitors, and ask what their prices are.
Call companies that do the same thing, pretend to be a customer and ask for prices.
You might just try calling up some businesses that already exist and asking what they charge. It pays to know your competition.
Pose as a customer and call other cleaning services in the area. Once you have accumulated a list of their prices, figure fees for what fits your needs and will still be a reasonable (or cheaper) price compared to your competition so you will attract business.